June 2017 In this issue COVER story
24 the luxe list:
6 playing with cosplay in central mass
entertainment
It’s M.I.N.D. over matter for Father’s Day
25 findingbalance:
10 central mass is full of summer fun! 12 nowstreaming: Jelly Roll / Leela James / Through Fire
Toning Up
FOOD+DRINK
22
26 dining review:
13 pulsebooks: Be careful in what you wish for
Leo’s is a classic that doesn’t disappoint
14 THE central scene
Warm weather beers
15 gameon: Fun times with Loot Rascals
28 new around the woo:
16 Club, Pub + grub Listings
29 hot & now
27 Pulsebrew:
28
Kummerspeck
20 PulseShots
read pulse Online
beauty+style
lifestyle
ThePulseMag.com
36 Complete your music festival
22 three skills for a healthy hookup
check list
23 out+about: Airspray Worcester
37 steal the style:
follow us on social media: Follow us on Twitter @WorcesterPulse Follow us on Instagram @PulseMag_Worc Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/thepulsemagazine
Paper Flowers
PULSE Magazine is produced 12 times a year by Pagio Inc., 88 Winter St., Worcester, MA 01604. (508) 756-5006. Copyright 2015 All rights reserved. Pagio, Inc. does not hold itself responsible for statements made by any contributor. Statements or opinions expressed in Pulse reflect the views of the author(s) and not the official policy of the Pagio, Inc., unless so stated. Although all advertising material is expected to conform to ethical standards, acceptance does not imply endorsement by Pagio, Inc. unless so stated. Material printed in Pulse is covered by copyright. No copyright is claimed to any work of the U.S. government. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission. For information on permissions, reprints and other services, contact Pagio, Inc. Also by Pagio Inc.: Worcester Medicine, Vitality Magazine, Thepulsemag.com, Thevitalitymag.com, & TasteWorcester.com
Paul Giorgio, Publisher Donna Roberson, Editor Vanessa Herbold, Art Director Chris Reddy, Alex Theisen, Kyle Sullivan Account Executives Mitchell Perry, Event Manager
Kim Dunbar, Sports Editor Jennifer Russo, Lifestyle Editor Kimberly Dunbar, Jennifer Russo, Jason Savio, Bernie Whitmore, Michael Wood, Paul Giorgio, Audra Brackett, Merilee Kern, Kerry Cyganiewicz, John Trobaugh, Sloane Perron, Jamie Burke, Rachel Shuster Writers
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Amy Bee
Sloane M. Perron The word “cosplay” evokes images of caped crusaders, beautiful princess and elaborate anime costumes. For the cosplayers of Central Massachusetts, cosplay is about creativity, community and even charitable giving. “Cosplay is a play on words. The ‘cos’ part is short for costume and ‘play’ is just like acting. So cosplay is when you dress up as a character and act like the character in real life. It’s not just dressing up, it’s becoming the character,” said Morgan Parkhurst, of Oxford. She first discovered cosplay in 2009, when she researched anime online and discovered that there were anime conventions. Intrigued and interested in dressing up, Parkhurst attended her first Comic Con dressed as the vocaloid Miku Hatsune. After nine years of cosplaying, Parkhurst has attended Anime Boston, Another Anime Con (AAS), Pax East and Popcult Con, where she is the assistant to the con chair head, who created this convention. In addition, she attends cosplay meetups such as the Boston Japanese Festival. You can find her costumes on Instagram and Facebook under Platinum Princess Cosplay. By day, Staci Ann Bebb, of Webster, works as a hairdresser, but during Comic Cons and local events, Bebb transforms (with the help of hours of hair extensions and makeup) into the Red Dahlia. The Red Dahlia is Bebb’s professional charity cosplay persona. As the Red Dahlia, Bebb dresses as notable comic book and movie heroes such as Kratos, Hell Girl, Darth Maul and Spider-Man. Her unique flair as a cosplayer is that she makes her own costumes, only dresses in red costumes and embodies characters who are usually male. Like Bebb, Nic Luce, of Webster, was in high school when she became a part of the Comic Con universe. As a teenager, Luce had a high school friend who was a passionate cosplayer. Luce was not familiar with Comic Cons or cosplay but said she thought to herself, “That looks cool! I like Halloween. I like dressing up.” As a result, she donned her first costume, Tobi from Naruto, and attended her first Comic Con Boston event. The experience would become a lifelong passion for Luce, although she admits that she made a rookie mistake at her first Comic Con and waited in line for six hours because she did not pre-register. It was a mistake that she never made again! Ever since she was a child, Amanda Barbosa (who goes by the name Amy B.), of Worcester, enjoyed playing anime video games and watching anime movies with her brother. She said sometimes she would wake up at 5 a.m., sneak the television on while everyone else was sleeping, and watch episodes of Inuyasha. Around 10 or 11 years old, Amy B. discovered the world of cosplay. “When I found out about cosplay, I thought it was the coolest thing ever! I loved playing dress-up and no one would play dress-up with me, so I can play dress-up by myself.” Amy B.’s first costume was Hatsune Miku and her first Comic Con was Anime Boston. Finding support among those not into cosplay wasn’t always easy. Amy B. joked that, at first, her mother believed that cosplay was connected with Satanism. Making the costumes is a time-consuming labor of love for most cosplayers, including Amy B., and it’s a huge part of the culture. “The satisfaction of it being complete and looking like you wanted is the best feeling in the world.” However, as someone who is prone to procrastination, Amy B. advises new cosplayers to plan their costumes far in advance of Comic Cons, leaving plenty of time to finish a costume, even if unexpected challenges arise during the creation process. For Luce, part of the fun of cosplaying is making the costumes. As an artist herself, Luce said, “It is such an accomplished feeling – creating something and seeing people love it.” The dedication to make such complex costumes usually means Luce spends anywhere from a month or two to a year creating one costume. She begins by taking screenshots of official art, drawing preliminary sketches and then gathering her materials. After so many years of attending Comic Cons and so many costumes, it is hard for Luce to pick her favorite, but so far, she loves being Itachi from Narato, “I love it! To personify him, it is so rewarding.” Parkhurst varies between sewing her own costumes and purchasing them, depending on how much time she has available before a Comic Con begins. She spent a year sewing her Elsa costume. Although beautiful, the Elsa costume required Parkhurst to tediously hand-cut and hand-sew 2,100 sequins on the bodice in order to achieve the effect that she wanted. One of her favorite Comic Con experiences came while donning the Elsa gown. While attending an event, a few little girls excitedly came up to Parkhurst. They kept pointing at her until their parents asked if the girls could take a picture with Elsa. Parkhurst recalls that the little girls were so happy that one of them hugged her and said, “Elsa, love you.”
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“It made me feel warm and happy to have made the day of a few little girls,” Parkhurst said. And sometimes, making others feel good is more than a happy accident. The Red Dahlia does not make a cent off attending Comic Cons. Instead, she volunteers to run booths. Additionally, she and
her manager sell her prints and calendars to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Last year, Bebb further expanded her love of cosplay and charity work when she joined the Band of
Heroes. The Band of Heroes is a group of 90 cosplayers from all over New England who dedicate their time and character performances to visit sick children in the hospital and raise money. The Red
Dahlia – along with Disney princesses, Batman, Guardians of the Galaxy and a plethora of other
comic book and movie stars – can be seen visiting making children smile and laugh from their hospital beds at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Hasbro Children’s Hospital.
“When somebody runs out of hope in a movie or comic book, they look toward super heroes,” Bebb
said. “These kids need one day to forget that there is something wrong.”
One of the toughest, but most enjoyable, aspects of being a cosplayer is the “play” part. Cosplayers have to embody a persona, mimic their actions and voices and stay in character, especially when they are visiting
the children, “We’re making a whole universe. I even get lost in the magic,” Bebb said. “I am touched
with the smiles and laughs when kids forget what they are going through.”
But creating that character – and the freedom to gender-bend – is the most rewarding perk for many local cosplayers. “I can dress up, and it’s totally acceptable. You can be yourself, but not yourself,” Luce said, adding that she sees cosplay as “a way to escape reality and come into your own. It’s a really weird experience.”
“I guess the reason I’m so passionate about cosplaying is because it allows me to be someone different and to feel good-looking. I get to meet other great people, and when I get comments on my outfits, it makes me feel really good about myself, which is hard because I have low self-esteem. It’s like one of the only things I’m actually good at,” Parkhurst said.
For some, cosplay is more than a hobby. Amy B. said her goal is to become a famous cosplayer, which will be a challenge, since she does not like to wear the revealing or sexy costumes sported by many famous female cosplayers. Her trademark style is cute idol costumes and characters that allow her to incorporate her love of dancing, singing and performing.
“I want to show young cosplayers that you don’t have to be sexy to be famous,” she said. Rather than focus on her body, Amy B. wants to
be famous due to her content, the work she puts into creating her costumes and her dedication to the craft of cosplay. She has attended
about 95 Comic Cons since she officially began cosplaying. Recently, she has started traveling outside the state to notable events such as Katsucon in Maryland and Colossal Con in Ohio. She has even convinced her brother to join her in participating in cosplaying.
“There are two sides to it. On one side, you have people who love everything and who will compliment you, and they are warm and welcoming,” Luce said. “On the other side, some people judge and say costumes are crap or that they are store-bought.”
As a longtime cosplayer, Luce wants attendees to appreciate that everyone puts effort into their costumes, whether they are made from
scratch or store-bought. Fortunately, Luce said, the nay-sayers make up the minority at Comic Cons, and the majority are people who
are accepting and just want to have fun. The variety of the event is something that also interests Luce, from the Artists’ Alley and Dealers’ Rooms, where vendors and artists sell wares, to the discussion panels that host conversations with the audience about almost any comic book, anime, manga or super hero topic.
As a seasoned veteran of Comic Cons, Amy B.’s advice for anyone who wants to try their hand at cosplaying is just to have fun and not “stress out.”
“No one starts off perfect,” Amy B. said. Some people may be elitist at Comic Cons, but Amy B. assures newcomers that most participants are encouraging, helpful and fun. “At the end of the day, we are just nerds dressing up.”
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June 2017
Top Left: Amy Bee, Bottom Left: Staci Ann Bebb and friends, Top Right: Morgan Parkhurst, Bottom Right: Niki Luce thepulsemag.com
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entertainment Caribbean American Carnival
Taste of Shrewsbury Street
Latin Festival
Food Truck Festival
Central Mass is full of
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June 2017
Audra Brackett
Central Mass is the place to be during the summer with festivals that celebrate just about everything you can imagine, including music, food, culture, art and cars! If you’re looking for some summer fun, it’s right in your own back yard.
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
Concert Series at Indian Ranch
Back 40 Music & Beer Farm Festival
Latin Festival
This summer, check out the Yuengling Summer Concert Series at Indian Ranch. Located on the pristine Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaaubunagungamaugg (Webster Lake), concert-goers can enjoy a picnic while listening to a wide range of musical acts. This year, the concert series features names like Bare Naked Ladies, Big and Rich, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo and Hunter Hayes.
Lilac Hedge Farm will hold its first music and beer festival on the 350-acre farm. There will be farm activities, kids’ events, music, craft beer, a farmers market, food trucks and much more.
Downtown Worcester shimmies to a Latin beat, as participants crowd around City Hall to celebrate Puerto Rican, Dominican and other Latin American cultures with ethnic foods, a bustling beer garden, free concerts and much more.
June 18-Sept. 24; Indian Ranch, 200 Gore Road, Webster; prices vary; indianranch.com.
Taste of Shrewsbury Street Experience the diverse dishes the restaurants and pubs of Shrewsbury Street have to offer, as they once again open their doors for the 17th annual Taste of Shrewsbury Street. Enjoy mouthwatering creations while taking in some live entertainment! Proceeds benefit the beautification of Shrewsbury Street along Worcester’s Restaurant Row and local children’s charities. 5-9 p.m. June 20; Shrewsbury Street, Worcester; $25 per button; tasteshrewsburystreet.com.
Art in the Park Art in the Park was founded to present public art to a broad community, promote the works of artists, enhance outdoor spaces, enrich lives and create visibility for the greater Worcester area. Art in the Park is an annual celebration of large-scale sculptures in historic Elm Park. June 10-Sept. 9; Elm Park, Park Avenue, Worcester; Free; artintheparkworcesterma.org.
Black Heritage Juneteenth Festival Celebrate family, community, freedom and African American culture and history. This event commemorates two seminal events on the timeline of America becoming a better nation: Quock Walker’s Massachusetts Supreme Court decision in 1783 and General Gordon Granger reading the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, Texas, in 1865. June 17; Institute Park at the corner of Salisbury Street and Park Avenue, Worcester; voluntary donation; visit the Juneteenth page on Facebook.
Nashua River Brewers Festival
10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 22 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 23; 2415 N. Main St., Holden; $15 for adults in advance, $20 at the gate, $5 for children in advance, $10 at the gate, free for children younger than 3; lilachedgefarm.com.
Cars of Summer A popular event in the city, get ready for this year’s showcase of classic and custom cars. Along with the car show, a car auction, monster truck rides and night city cruises will also be available. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 1-2, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. July 3; Green Hill Park, Worcester; prices vary; carsofsummer.com.
Walk & Rock Come enjoy a variety of live music and great food, courtesy of local bands and your favorite Shrewsbury Street restaurants. July 13, 20 and 23; Shrewsbury Street, Worcester; free; shrewsburystreet.org/walkrock.
Big Dipper Ice Cream Festival A big favorite for the whole family with at least 10 local vendors providing an assortment of ice cream treats. While you are enjoying your ice cream, you will also be helping Children’s Friend, the oldest family agency in Central Massachusetts, which will benefit from the festival’s proceeds. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., June 24; Elm Park, Worcester; free for children 3 and younger; $2 for children 4-9, $5 for 10 and older; visit the Facebook page for details.
Worcester Restaurant Week Fill your stomach without emptying your wallet! Worcester Restaurant Week allows people to sample food from a wide variety of Worcester’s best restaurants without breaking the bank. July 31-Aug. 12; various restaurants in Worcester; $25.17 for a three-course meal; worcesterrestaurantweek.com.
Hot Night in the City
A great way to educate yourself on a variety of regional beers is to attend the Nashua Rivers Brewers’ Festival held in Fitchburg. High-quality craft beers are brewed for your enjoyment, and there are plenty of fun-filled events for your entertainment. This event is 21-plus.
Worcester’s Center for Crafts will once again sponsor a sizzling side of craft demonstrations in glass, clay, metals and much more, as well as food and live music, to celebrate summer in the city at a free block party.
1-6 p.m., June 24; Riverfront Park, 100 Commercial St., Fitchburg; $15 in advance, $20 at the door, $1 per tasting ticket; beersforgood.com.
6-9p.m. July 21; Worcester Center for Crafts, 25 Sagamore Road, Worcester; free; worcester.edu/HotNight-in-the-City.
9a.m.-9p.m., Aug. 19; Worcester Common Oval, 455 Main St., Worcester; free; email culture@worcestermass. org.
Clustertruck Food Festival Organizer Amy Wexler is excited to be able to feature 32 food trucks with almost any food genre you can think of, including Korean, Thai, oysters, vegan and, of course, barbecue. All the food is locally sourced. There will also be a variety of artisans displaying their work for purchase, as well as laser tag, sand art and much more for the children. Wine and beer garden also available. Noon-7p.m., Aug.26; Kalon Farms, 339 Seven Bridge Road, Lancaster; free admission with purchase of a $10 dollar parking pass in advance, access to Beer and Wine Garden must be purchased in advance; theclustertruck.com
Caribbean American Carnival Come and enjoy a taste of the Caribbean at the fifth annual Worcester Caribbean American Carnival. Enjoy the music, dance and traditional cuisine of the Caribbean, as well as a parade and celebration of Caribbean American culture. Noon-7 p.m. Aug. 27; Foley Stadium to Institute Park, Worcester; free; worcestercarib.com.
Central Mass Skate Festival This festival has grown into one of the world’s largest skate events and has something for everyone, from long board to street skateboard for all ages and skill levels. It lasts three days and is full of fun and festivities for skaters and spectators alike, according to festival founder Mike Girard, of Emgee Events. There will be music and food and plenty of exciting action to watch. 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Aug. 4-6; 1 Still River Road, Harvard; free to spectators (see website for skater registration); skatecentralma.com.
Wachusett Mountain Farm Fresh Fest The Massachusetts agricultural and specialty food community will once again celebrate with the Farm Fresh Fest. Locally grown produce, local food items, crafts and wine-tasting will be just some of the events happening at the farmer’s market that is open to the public. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Aug. 27-28; Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Road, Princeton;$5 in advance, $7 at the door, free for children younger than 12, admission plus unlimited SkyRide is $13 in advance, $15 at the door; wachusett.com.
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Jelly Roll / Addiction Kills
Leela James / Did It For Love
Through Fire / Breathe
JENNIFER RUSSO
MIKE WOOD
JASON SAVIO
It occurred to me that I don’t give much love to hip hop albums when I consider albums to review, which is funny because,once upon a time, I listened to a lot of it. Somewhere along the line, I just stopped listening as I wasn’t a fan of how the genre was changing. Every now and again, though, I come across something I really like. This album is one of those special things that make me think for a moment that maybe not all is lost in the hip hop realm. Jelly Roll’s style is unique and authentic. It uses unexpected sound elements as opposed to the overdone heavy bass beats, with some old-school record scratches and true lyrical skill playing with electrifying word use, and he has some real singing talent, too. The album is heartfelt and screams truth. My favorite song on the album is “Only,” which delves into the eye-opening, real-world internal struggle from the perspective of a drug addict. As the album title implies, many of the tracks follow the theme of addiction and all the issues that come with it and the people impacted. Others, like “Heaven” and “Sex, Drugs, and Pain” challenge the idea that people who live a life that others consider unsavory are all doomed to hell by default. It’s more about being true to oneself, living your own truth and getting through, however that might be. For more information, visit jellyroll615.com.
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June 2017
If you’ve been craving something soothing and soulful, Leela James has got your back. Mesmerizing
is one word, transcendent another, and neither is an
exaggeration. For those unfamiliar with James, think
Mary J. Blige crossed with Chaka Khan, with just a subtle hint of the late, great Whitney Houston. We
get funky bass lines, soaring ballads and more than a few firm words for some beaus who’ve done her
wrong. It’s all here on the R&B star’s Did It For Love,
which hits all the right notes on nearly every track. In a musical universe so candy-coated and watered down for radio play, James’ husky voice is a distinct and
refreshing reminder of what stirring R&B can really
be when an artist isn’t trying to appease the masses or appeal to younger listeners who might not appreciate
her style. Her debut album was more than a dozen years ago (A Change Is Gonna Come), so James’ true fans are
likely all grown up and ready for a grown-up album that
deals with death, heartbreak and … her kids. But this album is not just for Leela James followers or urban
music fans in general. Anyone who appreciates powerful
The debut album Breathe, by hard rockers Through Fire, is an impressive first attempt by a group of newcomers. Not everything works great – sometimes the sincerity gets lost in an overabundance of static yelling – but there are enough bright spots here to warrant a careful listen. On this deluxe version of Breathe, there are acoustic and extended versions of the title track “Breathe” and “Stronger,” both of which are actually superior to their electric originals. Fire’s brand of hard rock at times evokes that of hard rock/metal bands of the early 2000s, which is unfortunate. “Take It All Away” sounds a bit like a Korn B-side, while “Dead Inside” is close to typical weight-room bravado. If you listen closely enough, however, you can hear interesting textures and faint background melodies that are the record’s saving grace. “Blood on My Hands” is one such example, but the real obvious showcase of this ability is in their covers of Ellie Goulding’s “Lights” and Christina Perri’s “Jar of Hearts.” Both covers may seem random, and it’s not the best thing in the world when some of your strongest songs aren’t the ones you’ve written yourself, but they are both well performed and include more fiery work by guitarist Justin McCain, the record’s other major strength.
will revel in James’ impressive sixth studio album. It’s a
Breathe certainly isn’t anything we haven’t heard before. With that said, Through Fire shows a spark here that could potentially become something bigger if they can get their boots out of the sludge of yesteryear.
For more information, visit leelajames.com.
For more information, visit throughfiremusic.com.
music with a depth of emotion that transcends genre true musical gift from start to finish.
pulsebooks: Be careful in what you wish for KIMBERLY DUNBAR Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you made different decisions in your life? In his book, Dark Matter (Broadway Books), Blake Crouch introduces the reader to Jason Dessen, a college professor who sometimes wonders how his life would have turned out if he continued his scientific research instead of settling down and starting a family. One night, Jason is abducted while walking home and wakes up in an alternate reality. He has been transported into a world where Jason Dessen – single and without a family – continued his research and invented something remarkable. Dessen, when he realizes he’s not in a bad dream, needs to figure out how he can get back to his life and the family that he loves, a feat that is far more difficult than tapping a pair of ruby slippers. Crouch’s pageturning thriller seems far-fetched, but because his details are steeped in science and facts, the dark story takes on an extra eerie feel for readers. Harper and Tabitha Frost – identical twins with opposite personalities – are the title characters in Elin Hilderbrand’s newest novel, The Identicals (Little, Brown and Company). Harper and Tabitha were inseparable until their parents’ divorce split them up Parent Trap-style. Harper moved with her easy-going, blue-collar father to Martha’s Vineyard, while Tabitha was forced to live with her controlling fashion designer mother in Nantucket. Though just 11 miles apart, over the next several years, the sisters managed to dig a deep chasm between them as they grew up and grew apart – Tabitha followed in her mother’s fashionable and classy footsteps while Harper’s questionable decisions made her an island outcast. Each sister spent years thinking the other had an easier and better life until a series of unfortunate events forces the women to trade lives, and locations, for the summer. Though sibling rivalry is at the heart of Hilderbrand’s story, it’s a solid lesson in compassion and understanding that the grass really isn’t greener on the other side. If you’re like me and often wonder, “How the heck does that actually work?”, then James Kakalios’s latest book, The Physics of Everyday Things: The Extraordinary Science Behind an Ordinary Day (Crown), is a must-read. Kakalios, who is a physics professor, gives detailed explanations about the technology you encounter in everyday life, from alarm clocks and coffee makers to elevators and copy machines. He answers ultimate questions such as, “Do noise-cancelling headphones actually work?” (yes, and the technology as to how is mind-bending) and “How does my fitness tracker actually know my steps?” (because science and Newton’s second law). The explanations are very technical (you may have to read slowly and re-read some sentences), but understanding how things work is fascinating. And you’ll certainly gain a new appreciation for the basic physics that drive the technology you encounter on a daily basis after reading this one.
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Events happening around Central Massachusetts – june 2017 Albanian Festival Every other year, Worcester celebrates the traditions of the Albanian culture with traditional food, music and dancing. Head down for a meet and greet with the NFL’s Kritjan Sokoli, a Princess & Super Hero Parade, the Grand Raffle, bazaar, carnival and more. All are welcome!
June 2-4; St. Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church; 535 Salisbury St., Worcester; $2; albanianfestival.org.
Worcester Food Truck Festival Live music, craft beer and 20 food trucks – it’s the annual Worcester Food Truck Festival! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and have a picnic in the park.
Noon-5 p.m. June 4 (VIP admission begins at 11 a.m.); City Hall Common, Worcester; $20 for VIP admission, $5 for general admission online, $10 day of festival, free for children 12 and younger; food and drink sold separately; foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com.
New England Futures Rivera Promotions Entertainment will showcase New England’s best boxing prospects. See the best
in local boxing, including Central Massachusetts locals Wilfredo Pagan, Irving Gonzalez, Andy Gonzalez, Ranse Andino, Bobby Harris III and Bryan Daniels.
7-10 p.m. June 10; DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester; $75 for ringside, $45 for general admission; dcucenter.com.
Taste of Shrewsbury Street Experience the flavors of Shrewsbury Street, with more than 30 restaurants offering samples of their best dishes – then vote for your favorite! Enjoy great food, live entertainment and local vendors along Worcester’s Restaurant Row.
5-9 p.m. June 20; Shrewsbury Street, Worcester; $25; tasteshrewsburystreet.com.
MASSive Comic Con Get your cosplay on! MASSive Comic Con brings you the best comic book exhibitors, artists, creators
and collectibles vendors from throughout New England and beyond. Find a schedule of events at massivecomicon.com.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 25; DCU Center, 50 Foster St.; $30 on Saturday, $25 on Sunday, $45 for weekend pass, free for children 12 and younger; dcucenter.com.
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June 2017
gameon: Fun times with Loot Rascals JASON SAVIO Once in a while you come across a game that is simply adorable. Loot Rascals is one such outing. Just about everything to do with Loot Rascals will put a smile on your face and ease away the burdens of the day. Developed by Hollow Ponds, Loot Rascals is a welcomed adventure you won’t want to miss. It can be a nice change of pace to take a break from titles that take themselves too seriously. While we all love a good shooter or immersive RPG from time to time, getting back to the roots of what makes gaming fun is a needed refresher. The bright and colorful presentation of Loot Rascals does just that with its cute, retro, outer space animation and playful humor. The story isn’t all that original – what it basically comes down to is you fighting “baddies” (a wide range of funky-looking aliens) as an astronaut on other planets while trying to find an exit portal to “warp out.” The layout is reminiscent of the old Super Mario games – you’re on a map with a little version of yourself running around from place to place. This time, however, it’s a tile-based map, and if you enter onto a tile that a baddy currently inhabits, then it’s fight time. (Word of advice: Certain baddies will attack first while others will defend first; it’s better to attack those who defend first). The fighting style is that of a take-turn approach; just think Final Fantasy meets Nickelodeon playfulness. Once you defeat your opponent, you collect the loot in the form of a card representing different power-ups or accessories. Now this is where the strategic element of Loot Rascals really factors in: You take these cards and then you are tasked with arranging them in your inventory to create certain ratios and combinations based on how powerful they are (one card is worth five attack and while another is five defense, for example). Different combinations, such as one particular type of card next to another, will help you to figure out how to get to your overall goal number. What this all amounts to is a stronger chance of you surviving your next encounter with an alien bully. Don’t let the bight cheeriness of Loot Rascals make you decide to dismiss it as a children’s game; there is indeed plenty of careful thinking at play here. But it’s all done in a lighthearted manner that you can’t help but fall in love with. From your robotic guide who talks with a British accent and has a magic genie-shaped head to the little bounce dance your enemies do while waiting to attack you, everything in Loot Rascals is done with a wink. For more information, visit lootrascals.com.
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Club+Pub+GRUB Listings
Entertainment at clubs, bars, pubs & other select venues 435 Bar & Grill 435 Lancaster St., Leominster
June 3: Bruce Jacques with Chad Clements
American Graffiti 113 Summer St., Lunenburg
Bull Run Restaurant 215 Great Road, Shirley bullrunrestaurant.com
B-Man’s 140 Tavern 348 Redemption Rock Trail, Sterling 140pub.com
Cafe Destare 320 Main St., Fitchburg destare.com
The Banner Bar & Grille 112 Green St., Worc. thebannerbar.com
Canal Restaurant & Bar 65 Water St., Worc. Fridays, Saturdays: DJ (21+) June 3: Hot Dish June 8: Crawfish Boil, Louisiana Style! June 9: Lisa Marie & Johnny Juxo June 9: PlantNite June 10: Round Midnight June 16: PlantNite June 16: Rob Adams with Lisa Brumby June 17: Alias June 23: Jim Perry June 23: PlantNite June 24: Amanda Cote June 30: Junkyard Heartstrings June 30: PlantNite
Barber’s Crossing Road House 861 Main St., Leicester barberscrossingrestaurant.com Barbers Crossing (North) 175 Leominster Road, Sterling barberscrossingrestaurant.com Thursdays: Open Mic Fridays: Bill McCarthy Saturdays: Live music Beatnik’s 433 Park Ave., Worc. beatniksbeyou.com June 3: Cosmic Slim & His Intergalactic Plowboys June 7: Beatnik’s Open Mic Night June 10: Afterlife Garage, The Crooks & Before Common Error June 14: Wednesday Night Mayhem June 21: Beatnik’s Open Mic Night June 23: Settledown Easy June 24: Stan Matthews June 24: Infinite Groove June 28: Wednesday Night Mayhem Beemer’s Pub & Grill 310 Main St., Fitchburg beemerspub.com Billy’s Pub 81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury Black Sheep Tavern 261 Leominster Road, Sterling June 25: Tony Soul Project Blackstone Tap 81 Water St., Worc. blackstonetap.com Blue Plate Lounge 661 Main St., Holden Thursdays: Open Mic Blueprint New American Bar & Grill 9 Village Square, Westminster Bolton Street Tavern 587 Bolton St., Marlborough boltonstreettavern.com Boulder Cafe 880 Main St., Fitchburg Breakaway Billiards 104 Sterling St., Clinton Brew City 104 Shrewsbury St., Worc. brew-city.com
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June 2017
Chopstick’s Restaurant & Lounge 21 Commercial Road, Leominster chopsticksleominster.com Christopher’s Pub 7 Pleasant St., Leominster Cicero’s Cafe 17 Suffolk St., Worc. Classic’s Pub 285 Central St., Leominster classicspub.net Sundays, Thursdays: Karaoke with PJ Tuesdays, Wednesdays: Karaoke with Key Performance Club KasBar 234 Southwest Cutoff, Worc. Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays: Karaoke The Columbia Tavern 28 Manning Ave., Leominster Compass Tavern 90 Harding St., Worc. thecompasstavern.com Fridays, Saturdays: DJs June 9: Johnny Whiskey Smash June 16: Alex Twohey June 23: Brian Richard June 30: Jay Graham Cosmopolitan Club 96 Hamilton St., Worc. The Cove Music Hall 89 Green St., Worc. thecovemusichall.com Thursdays: Subterra June 3: Muya with PDT June 9: Wolfman Chuck Presents: Good Times! June 10: The Britwits June 16: Testify June 17: Eruption (Van Halen tribute) June 23: Deadites Unite: A benefit for Mique
“Dynamo” Marz June 24: Angels of Avalon (Led Zeppelin tribute) June 30: Deep 6 Dance Ranch & Saloon 70 James St., Worc. danceranchandsaloon.com Days End Tavern 287 Main St., Oxford daysendtavern.com Devens Grill 4 Ryans Way, Devens devensgrill.com Electric Haze 26 Millbury St, Worc. June 9: We & the Dawg Fiddlers’ Green Pub & Restaurant 19 Temple St., Worc. aohworcester.com Firefly’s / Dante’s 350 E. Main St., Marlborough fireflysbbq.com Flip Flops 680 Main St., Holden flipflopsma.com Fridays, Saturdays: Live music June 16: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Flying Rhino Cafe 278 Shrewsbury St., Worc. flyingrhinocafe.com Frank’s 274 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Funky Murphy’s Bar & Grill 305 Shrewsbury St., Worc. funkymurphys.com Gardner Ale House 74 Parker St., Gardner gardnerale.com Mondays: Blue Mondays Thursdays: Audio Wasabi Fridays, Saturdays: Live music The GazBar Sports Grill 1045 Central St., Leominster thegazbar.com Wednesdays: Trivia June 3: Brian & Captain June 8: Dan Cormier June 9: Left - Right June 10: Scott Babineau June 15: Amanda Cote June 16: Dustin Brideau June 17: Heather Ralston June 23: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell June 24: Jim Weeks June 29: Kevin Shields GD Lounge Union Station, 2 Washington Square, Worc. facebook.com/GDloungeandtapas Greendale’s Pub
404 W. Boylston St., Worc. greendalespub.com Tuesdays: Open Mic with Bill McCarthy; Local Musicians Showcase June 3: Tony Soul June 9: Windfall June 10: Afternoon Delight June 16: Auntie Trainwreck June 16: Auntie Trainwreck’s Almost Summer Bash! June 17: 9Teen June 23: Clam Digger June 24: Silverbacks June 30: Twisted Dawg Halligan’s Sports Bar and More 889 Southbridge St., Auburn halliganssportsbarandmore.com June 17: Tony Soul Project Happy Jack’s 785 North Main St., Leominster June 3: Alan Goodrich June 9: City Boys June 10: Ken Macy June 16: Johnny Girouard June 17: Santino Prouetti June 23: Scott Babineau June 24: Lizzy Marquis June 30: Dave Malouin Hotel Vernon - The Ship Room/Kelley Square Yacht Club 1 Millbury St., Worc. Indian Ranch 200 Gore Road, Webster indianranch.com June 18: Barenaked Ladies June 24: Huey Lewis and The News June 25: Marshall Tucker Band Industry Bar Room 109 Water St., Worc. industrybarroom.com Ixtapa Cantina 308 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg ixtapacantina2.com JC Fenwick’s 37 Mechanic St., Leominster JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough jbag.biz Legends Airport Road, Fitchburg Leitrim’s Pub 265 Park Ave., Worc. leitrimspub.com Loft 266 Bar & Lounge 266 Park Ave., Worc. loft266.com Thursdays: Sam James, DJ XKALIBER Fridays, Saturdays: DJ Joe T June 3: Ken Macy, Ricky Duran June 9: Two Timers June 10: Dave Mack June 16: Drunken Uncles June 23: Jay Graham June 24: Ashley and Ethan Continued on Page 19
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June 2017
Continued from Page 16 Mahoney’s Pub 413 Park Ave., Worc.
Olde Post Office Pub 1 Ray St., N. Grafton
Marty’s Pub 225 Cantebury St., Worc. martyspub.com
On The Rocks Sports Bar & Grill 96 Lakefront Ave., Lunenburg
MB Lounge 40 Grafton St., Worc. mblounge.com Michael’s Cigar Bar 1 Exchange Place, Worc. michaelscigar.com June 3: Abraxas June 4: The Royal Furs June 7: Guiliano D’Orazio June 8: Jim Devlin June 9: Testify June 10: No Alibi June 11: Blue Light Bandits June 14: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell June 15: Blue Light Bandits June 16: Ghost Train June 17: Stubby Phillips and The Flat Heads June 18: The Royal Furs June 24: Hot Letter June 25: Blue Light Bandits June 28: Dave Brunyak June 30: Jim Devlin Trio Mickey Sheas 324 Electric Ave., Lunenburg The Mill 185 185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston themill185.com June 3: Josh Briggs June 9: Brian Chaffee June 10: Doctor Robert June 16: Jay Graham June 17: Nikki Luparelli June 23: Chad Clements June 24: Darren Bessette June 30: James Keyes Mill Street Brews (@ The Artist Development Complex) 18 Mill St., Southbridge millstreetbrews.com The Monument Tap 13 Central St., Leominster monumenttap.com Saturdays: Live music Moynihan’s Pub 897 Main St., Worc. The Muse 536 Main St., Worc. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant 124 Millbury St., Worc. Mondays: Comedy open mic The Nines Neighborhood Bar 136 Millbury St., Worc. Oak Barrel Tavern 229 Grove Ave., Worc. oakbarreltavernworcester.com
Oxford Tavern 314 Main St., Oxford Padavano’s Place 358 Shrewsbury St., Worc. padavanosplace.com Thursdays: Karaoke with Matty J June 3: Hot Letter June 4: Brett Brumby June 9: Tony Soul Project at Padavanos June 10: On the Rocks June 11: Dale Lepage Duo June 16: Fellowship of the King June 17: Band of Brothers June 18: Guiliano D’Orazio June 23: Take Two June 24: Sara Leketa & Lisa Addario from Aerochix June 25: Joe Cariglia June 30: The Drunken Uncles Paisanos Pizza & Spirits 450 Lancaster St., Leominster The Palladium 261 Main St., Worc. thepalladium.net Park Grill and Spirits 257 Park Ave., Worc. Fridays, Saturdays: Dick’s Beantown Comedy Escape June 9: The House Between June 16: Guiliano D’Orazio June 23: The Drunken Uncles June 30: Guiliano D’Orazio Partner’s Pub 970 South St., Fitchburg partnerspub.com Sundays Wednesdays, Fridays: Karaoke June 3: Lost Artifacts June 10: JCDC June 17: Crossroads June 24: Sean Daley and The Hooligans Patsie Dugan’s 49 Millbury St., Worc. patsiedugans.com Pho Dakao 593 Park Ave., Worc. The Pint 58 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Point Breeze On the Lake 114 Point Breeze Road, Webster pointbreezeonwebsterlake.com Press Box 536 Lincoln St., Worc. Quinn’s Irish Pub 715 W. Boylston St., Worc. quinnsirishpub.com June 4: Kevin Shields June 7: Chris Reddy
June 8: Adam Makes Noise June 9: Josh Briggs June 10: Sam James June 14: Brian Twohey June 15: Chris Reddy June 16: Tim Pacific June 18: Kevin Shields June 23: Adam Makes Noise June 24: Sam James
128 Main St., Groton grotonstagecoachinn.com
Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner 148 Grove St., Worc. ralphsrockdiner.com June 24: The Sort of Late Show with Shaun Connolly
The Tavern on Central 3 Central St., Ashburnham thetavernoncentral.com June 24: Sean Fullerton and his Mad Loops Laboratory
The Raven 258 Pleasant St., Worc.
Three G’s Sports Bar 152 Millbury St., Worc. 3gs-sportsbar.com
Red Onion - Otter River Hotel 29 Main St., Baldwinville Rocky’s 139 Water St., Worc. Rumors 371 Park Ave., Worc. clubuniverseworcester.com Rye & Thyme 14 Monument Square, Leominster ryeandthyme.com June 3: Doctor Robert June 8: Sean Fullerton and his Mad Loops Laboratory June 9: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell June 10: Retro Stew June 15: Jay Graham June 16: Ken Macy Band June 17: Brian Chaffee & The Players June 22: Ethan Caouette June 23: Neon Alley June 24: Suffering Bastards June 29: Danielle Lessard Sakura Tokyo 640 Park Ave., Worc. sakura-tokyo.com Sean Patrick’s Family Restaurant 494 Electric Ave., Lunenburg seanpatricksrestaurant.com South Side Grille & Margarita Factory 242 W. Broadway, Gardner southsidemargaritafactory.com June 3: Mighty King Snakes June 9: Danny Leblanc June 10: Neon Alley June 16: Santino’s Duo June 17: Sean Daley and The Hooligans June 23: Topher Brew June 30: Dave Andrews Speakers Night Club 19 Weed St., Marlborough speakersnightclub.net Fridays: Live bands Spruce Street Tavern 68 Spruce St., Clinton sprucestreettavern.com Stagecoach Inn and Tavern
Sunset Tiki Bar/The Outlook 79 Powers Road, Westford Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays: Live music June 21, 28: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell
Union Tavern 65 Green St., Worc. Upper Deck Sports Bar & Grille 377 Stetson Road, Barre upperdecksportsbarandgrille.com Victory Bar & Cigar 56 Shrewsbury St., Worc. victorycigarbar.com Vincent’s Bar 49 Suffolk St., Worc. Tuesday: Boogie Chillin’ Whiskey Hookah Lounge 316 Main St., Worc. Whiskey on Water 97 Water St., Worc. whiskeyonwater.com Sundays, Wednesdays: Karaoke with DJ Soup Thursdays: DJ Cuzn Kev Fridays: DJ Tec Threat June 3: Southbound Train June 9: Sean Von Clauss June 10: The Blue Light Bandits June 16: Feel Good Drift June 17: Tequila Bonfire June 23: The Blue Light Bandits June 24: Fiona Corinne June 30: Danny Pease and The Regulators Whistle Stop Bar & Grill 85 Main St., Oxford StopByTheWhistle.com White Eagle Polish Club 112 Green St., Worc. William’s Restaurant & Tavern 184 Pearson Blvd., Gardner williamsrestaurantandtavern.com June 9: Dan Kirouac: solo/acoustic June 23: Sean Fullerton and his Mad Loops Laboratory Wonder Bar Restaurant 121 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Ye Olde Tavern 7 E. Main St., W. Brookfield westbrookfieldtavern.com
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michael’s cigar bar – worcester
By Justin perry
whiskey on water – worcester
the pint – worcester
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June 2017
the mill 185 – west boylston
compass tavern – worcester
the monument tap – leominster
whiskey lounge – worcester
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lifestyle
Three skills for a healthy hookup JOANNE DAVILA, PH.D., and KAYCEE LASHMAN Hookups are pretty prevalent these days. Although some research shows they don’t have a negative impact on most people, for some, hookups can be stressful, unsatisfying or confusing. Are we going to see each other again? What will the person think of me? How do I feel about myself for doing it? Did I get what I wanted out of it? Why do I feel like it was all about the other person? These are just some of the questions we’ve heard from women, and these questions can lead to uncertainty and disappointment. If you’re interested in hooking up, there are three skills you need to use to increase the likelihood that you’ll have the experience you want and that you won’t end up confused and feeling bad.
Skill 1: Insight
Skill 3: Emotion Regulation
This is about knowing what you want, and it’s the first thing you need to do in order to have a healthy hookup. Ask yourself these questions: What do I want sexually? What am I willing to do and not do? What are my limits? And know the answers, so that when the time comes you will be prepared and you can communicate effectively about what you want and don’t want.
This skill is about keeping your emotions in check. Post-hookup, you may start to feel those warm twinges of love and images of a beautiful life together. You may start to get anxious about whether you’ll get another text or call. You may get sad or angry if that text or call doesn’t come. You may get excited when it comes late one Saturday night, suggesting a spontaneous rendezvous. All of these feelings can happen. But remember, there’s a reason it’s called a hookup – it’s not a relationship. And it was not intended to be from the beginning.
It’s also important to have insight about what you’re looking to get out of a hookup. What are your motives and goals? Is it just about the sex? Are you fine with it being just a one-time thing? Are you actually hoping it will turn into a relationship? You need to know because your expectations and hopes can determine how you’ll react to whatever happens. You also need to be able to figure out whether you and the other person are looking for the same thing. If you’re not, then you might end up not feeling so great. One key to a healthy hookup is when both people are on the same page, which leads to the next skill.
Skill 2: Mutuality A healthy hookup is about it being good for both people. Not just you. Not just the other person. Both of you. Often people go into a hookup with the goal of getting sexual pleasure for themselves. Makes sense. So they judge the success of the hookup by whether it was pleasurable for them. But there are two people involved who both want sexual pleasure, and they both deserve to get it. If you’re in it just for your own pleasure and you’re not interested in really pleasing your partner, then stay home. On the flip side of that are people who judge the success of a hookup solely by whether they pleased their partner, and they completely disregard their own pleasure. This is just as bad as focusing only on yourself. If you’re only focused on giving the other person what they want, it may be an indicator that you’re afraid of being yourself, you’re afraid of what the other person might think of you, you’re trying to get the other person to like you – or, most likely, all of the above. If you see yourself in this scenario, then you need to shift your focus from trying to be what the other person wants (or what you think they want) to being yourself and seeing if they like what you have to offer.
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The best thing you can do for yourself is to go into a hookup assuming that’s exactly what it will be. A fun (hopefully!) encounter between two consenting individuals that is not meant to happen again or to turn into anything else. Then, when it doesn’t, you won’t have to be sad, angry or disappointed. You can view the experience fondly, rather than yearning for more. You can remind your developing feelings of love that they are better placed elsewhere, when the right relationship person comes along. And you won’t have to be anxiously checking your phone for a text. Should that text come, you can decide whether you want to pursue it, rather than feeling dependent upon it for a sense of self-worth. And, should your hookup start to turn into a relationship, then you can be pleasantly surprised and see where it goes. For those of you who are on the receiving end of someone wanting a hookup to go further than you want it to go, you need to keep your anxiety or annoyance about this in check. Be clear and direct with the person about where you are and what they can expect, both up front and afterwards. And be kind in all of your communications. You had sex with this person. You just shared nakedness, bodily fluids and perhaps lots of other things. It’s an intimate exchange, no matter how you look at it. And the people involved deserve to be respected. Don’t let your fears or frustration get in the way of treating a person with respect. If you use these skills to approach and deal with hookups, it’s more likely to be a rewarding experience for both people, and that’s what a healthy hookup is about. For more information, visit skillsforhealthyrelationships.com. Joanne Davila, Ph.D., is professor of psychology at Stony Brook University, a clinical psychologist in private practice and an internationally known expert on young women’s romantic relationships. Kaycee Lashman is an organizational change specialist who focuses on relationship dynamics within companies.
OUT+ABOUT: Airspray Worcester: The 4-year-old queer dance party! JOHN TROBAUGH I recall, back in 2013, Heather Mangione coming to a Worcester Pride meeting, wanting to let us know about this cool queer dance party modeled after the ones she had experienced in Brooklyn. As the president of Pride, I was impressed she got to know Worcester well enough to identify key community groups and get them engaged to make the night a success. I went to the next Airspray night and was blown away at the number of people at Electric Haze. In addition to Queer Dance Nights at Electric Haze, Airspray has hosted other events and has really pitched in and helped other community-based nonprofits. Airspray’s success is due to the fact that it is engaged with the whole community. Airspray filled a void when many dance clubs went out of business in Worcester. I attended the April event and was again very impressed by the number of people and the diversity. There were even some non-GenX/Millennials mingling, too! Co-founders Ashley Emerson Gilbert, Heather Mangione and Ryan Williams were three young professionals living and working in Worcester who wanted an outlet to express themselves artistically and engage with friends and other likeminded members of the queer community. Hence, Airspray. In addition to the obvious fun of a dance night, I also love the fact that this is an intentionally “queer” dance party. I know when theorists began using the term in the ’80s, people saw it as shocking, but today, it is one of the terms with which people identify. The word, as the older crowd will tell you, used to be a slur, but as an act of defiance and self-empowerment, our community has embraced it. Tom Baker, who has regularly attended Airspray from the beginning, said, “I find Airspray is intentional in its efforts not to perpetuate this type of space, thus making a truly ‘queered’ space. I shout out to Heather here, because I think she gets it and works to maintain this space as such.” In addition to using the word “queer” to identify myself, I see “queering” as a verb – the process of making spaces and social relationships, and thus, society more open to diverse types of relationships and ways of being within and outside the spectrums of sexual and gender identity. Many “queer spaces” (i.e., gay clubs) simply seek to maintain certain power dynamics of whiteness, maleness and cisgenderness. The great news is that it is not just loved by the people dancing; even the Electric Haze owners love Airspray! “I love Airspray, and I’m so glad the team brought it to Electric Haze because it’s truly what I envisioned when I thought of what I want to see in my club. Diversity, community, openness, positive conversations, creative environment – it has it all! And then to have that same community travel in between different businesses and different event parameters keeps it interesting and connects the different places in Worcester,” said Victoria Mariano, one of the owners of Electric Haze. Heather Mangione said, “Worcester is a vibrant place to live that has a lot to offer! We’ve been going strong for a few years now. As the co-founder of this amazing and energetic group, I could have never predicted that so many people would come together and help build an open, visible queer community in Worcester.” Mangione said Airspray loves to collaborate with various cultural institutions in our city. It’s so important for them to celebrate and bring our community into the wonderful spaces we have in this city. Organizers want to hear what members of the queer community want from Airspray. Please email them at AirsprayWstr@ gmail.com. Have an idea for a new column topic? Email John@JohnArt.com.
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the luxe list:
it’s m.i.n.d. over matter for
father’s day
works as a projector of sorts. Ever portable and relatively compact, the game system can be played anywhere the user takes the three required components: smartphone, headset and Holo-Box. M.I.N.D. is designed to work with both iOS and Android platforms. The initial game offering, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, is availed as a free app and follows a similar plot to its cinematic namesake. Players traverse through the game as a threat to Gotham arises. Your task? To save the world, of course! The game, which follows convention, is made up of difficulty levels and stages. As you finish each mission, another level is unlocked. The game starts with the player as Batman. Eventually, the player can rise in the ranks to become Superman.
MERILEE KERN The mind is all-powerful, with so much untapped potential. Now gamers can use this omnipotent organ to control the Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice title recently launched by Soap Studio. The company, which is devoted to creating high-appeal tech toys, has certainly outdone itself with the introduction of an uber-exciting, brainwave-controlled game system called M.I.N.D. This entertainment innovation merges brainwaves and holographic projection technology for a virtual realitytype game experience unlike any other. The M.I.N.D. package, which currently retails for $139.99, comes complete with a headset and a holographic case called Holo-Box. The headset is what captures the player’s brainwaves and turns them into commands. It accomplishes this by measuring emotional changes, how hard the player is concentrating and even eye movements like blinking, which all convert into moves for the character you’re controlling in the game. The lightweight Holo-Box component that comes with the set uses a smartphone to project a 3D cinematic movie effect. Simply lay your smartphone in the Holo-Box, which
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In a released statement, CEO Adran Chong said, “The brain works as a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets.” He points out that the game set isn’t only for entertainment but can be used to gain better control of your mind and even behavior. Soap Studio, a relatively new company that was founded in 2014, is a certified partner with DC Comics and Warner Brothers Entertainment, Inc., which explains the relationship between M.I.N.D. and Batman v. Superman. The company designs collectible and hightech toys, as well as lifestyle products, but it’s really breaking new ground for gamers with M.I.N.D. The company is working on a way to adapt the new M.I.N.D. technology to work with select drones. As the executive editor and producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee
Kern is an internationally regarded consumer product trends expert
and hospitality industry voice of authority – a travel, dining, leisure and lifestyle expert who spotlights noteworthy marketplace innovations, change-makers, and movers and shakers. For more
information, visit TheLuxeList.com, on Twitter @LuxeListEditor,
on Facebook at TheLuxeList and on Instagram at LuxeListReviews.
findingbalance: Toning up JENNIFER RUSSO Hooray! Summer is on the horizon, and we all have a little more energy and a lot more joy that we can finish working when the sun is still up and have a nice grilled dinner on the deck. We can also hit the beach now, but a lot of us are cramming in the exercise to
get our beach bodies ready. I have three words for all of you who are worried that you won’t be able to reach those goals in a month: yoga, Pilates and barre.
When it comes to toning up all those problem areas and building strength in the body, it’s a myth that you need to spend hours at the gym on weight machines and ellipticals
to get there. In fact, it is more effective to do shorter workouts that work all the muscle groups using micro-movements and body-weight strength exercises.
Starting with yoga, one of the best poses to tone the upper body is a full Plank Pose. Holding this for 30 seconds to one minute will strengthen your arms and back and whittle down those triceps. Another great pose for the arms is Sphinx Pose. Lying on
your stomach with your legs straight and the tops of your feet on the floor, rest your forearms on the floor and straighten your upper body so you look like the Sphinx statue and hold for up to five minutes. To tone your butt and legs, Chair Pose (Utkatasana)
is both your nemesis and your best friend. Stand straight with your legs together and then sink back to a sitting position, keeping your upper body as straight as possible
and sitting back as far as you can, arms out in front of you, and hold. You’ll feel it working immediately.
Pilates is truly one of the best things you can do to sculpt your core. Frog Circles
are going to give you results pretty quickly. Lie down on your back and bend your knees into your chest. Interlace your hands behind your head and lift your head and shoulders off the floor like you’re doing a crunch. Be sure not to pull on your neck; use your ab strength to stay up. Now, straighten your legs up and lower them down to a
hover and bring them back into your chest. Repeat 30 times, keeping your head and
shoulders up. Shoulder Bridges are also a great move. Lay on your back with your feet
flat on the floor and lift your legs and hips off the ground as high as you can while keeping your shoulder blades planted. Hold for one minute and then repeat.
Barre (not the city near Worcester, but ballet barre) is one of the most difficult exercise
regimens you can do. It looks simple, but it actually combines a series of micro muscle movements that target muscles not often reached through other means. There are people who are as fit as they come who have trouble getting through a class. But what
that also means is it works … and really well. Try taking a traditional squat pose and do this for 20 reps: With one hand on a barre or fingertips to a wall, turn your toes out
and do the same squats, making sure to keep your back straight. Now, lift your heels off the floor and do the same squats. You’ll feel that tomorrow!
The pure light in me honors and respects the same in you. Namaste.
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food+drink
dining review
Leo’s is a classic that doesn’t disappoint
BERNIE WHITMORE Any discussion of Leo’s Ristorante that doesn’t acknowledge its place in history as one of the original Shrewsbury Street dining landmarks is like taking visitors on a tour of Worcester and bypassing Turtle Boy or taking them to the base of George Street without challenging them to a race to the summit. Such details are crucial. So let me note here that, decades ago, there were very few dining options in town. Leo’s was one of those few, and even at that distant point in history, it occupied its corner of “the street,” seemingly, forever. The serving staff had worked there for so long, servers would write up your order before they got to your table. Clusters of plastic grapes on the walls had collected greasy dust forever. In short, it was the classic Italian restaurant. Fast forward to the present, and you’ll still find a Leo’s Ristorante eternally populated by regular customers. So much so that the warren of dining rooms, connecting hallways and lounges are posted with signs indicating, “Seat Yourself.” Customers seem to have their own seats, but those new to the place – who manage to find their way to Bracket Court and pass through Leo’s front door – might wander off to a table in one of the “mercy meal” rooms. Who would notice? True enough, Leo’s is part of the bedrock of Worcester dining. But that doesn’t mean its cuisine stagnated 50 years ago. The menu continues to evolve, making Leo’s a solid candidate when making one’s choice of
dining venue. This was shown true once again on a recent visit. Soon after my friend and I had “seated ourselves” within easy view of a plaster replica of Aphrodite, we were greeted and presented with menus. Marci, our server, offered to take our drink order but goodnaturedly understood when I begged a few minutes to develop my meal strategy. From the list of daily specials, we started with Leo’s Arancini. This was an order of three balls that were fried crunchy and deep brown on the outside; inside, the softened rice was formed around a core of mozzarella cheese. My friend observed, “Bits of mushrooms add a depth of flavor to what is often just deepfried rice with mozzarella.” A dipping sauce tinged pink with bits of tomato provided an additional flavor element. That analytical moment gave way to humor when we noticed each other tackling the comically stretchy center of molten mozzarella. Soon enough, fork loads of long cheesy strands stretched from plates, across the table, and to our chins. There was no room for the self-conscious at this table. Our entrees arrived just as an adjacent table was bursting forth in a chorus of “Happy Birthday” and digging into their dessert of tiramisu. Within moments, the focus of my world was narrowed from that revelry to the dish in front of me. That’s because of my bowl of Seafood Risotto alla Milanese. From my first sampling, its richness and sumptuous seafood flavor exceeded any reasonable expectations. Delicate chunks of flavorful lobster meat had dissolved into the creamy Arborio rice to create a velvety sauce that enveloped generous handfuls of juicy shrimp and jumbo sea scallops. Each shellfish specimen had lent its fragile flavor to the dish, and every now and then, an intact bit of lobster appeared amongst the still-firm rice. It was an elegant dining experience
enhanced by a glass of Josh Sauvignon Blanc, whose crisp freshness provided an ideal counterpoint. Simultaneously, my friend seemed equally pleased with his entrée, Veal Saltimbocca. Insisting that it was richer than my risotto, I scoffed in disbelief. True, the quartet of tender veal cutlets had been layered with thin slices of prosciutto and smothered in sautéed mushrooms, all drenched in a deep-brown wine sauce. But really! Richer than creamy, lobster-infused Arborio rice? Not a chance! The absence of fresh sage indicated the chef had taken some liberty with the standard recipe, but he’s not alone – it’s been years since I’ve encountered the classic version. Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that, amidst the burgeoning dining scene in Worcester, there remain a few of her original “pioneers” who still keep pace. That’s just what Leo’s Ristorante continues to do. And it does it with the weight of its ancestors looking down; their portraits and testimonials grace the walls. A volte il vecchio è meglio del nuovo.
leo’s ristorante • 11 leo turo way, worcester • 508-753-9490 • leosristorante.net 26
June 2017
pulsebrew: Warm weather beers
KERRY CYGANIEWICZ The weather is changing, and most of us can be found at social gatherings, around pools or on the patio of our favorite local watering hole. I have taken special care to choose five beers that craft beer drinkers will enjoy, as well as those who typically do not enjoy craft beer. Here are some of my favorites – all locally brewed and readily available nearby. Cheers!
Notch Brewing Infinite Jest (4.3% ABV) This Salem brewery recently celebrated its seventh anniversary, and coincidentally, I sampled this beer on exactly that date. This is an American pale wheat ale. I have noticed that some sessionable, hop-forward ales tend to have a drier finish than I like, which defeats the purpose of a warm-weather beer, in my opinion, but not Infinite Jest. The finish is just like the rest of the beer – remarkably balanced. The Citra, Equinox and Mosaic hops work well together but do not over-dominate the wheat and pale malts. Mouthfeel is light, so it goes down easy, while the carbonation is not overpowering, so you don’t fill up. I can see this occupying space in my fridge this summer for sure.
Allagash White (5.1% ABV) This is a Belgian wheat beer that is made in Maine, and – dare I say – it is the best one out there. It has been around for a while, but sometimes it is good to go back home. It was cloudy before being a hazy beer was the cool thing to be. It is brewed with coriander and orange peel, but please do not put an orange on the glass; drink it as is. If you have not had one in a while, go back. If you have never had one, try it. This is one of my “gateway beers” that I use to bring people over to craft beer.
Honest Weight National Salary Cap (4.5% ABV) Here is another American pale wheat ale. I really hope this style is going to catch on and become more widespread. First thing I noticed was the small, pronounced white head and the aroma of tropical fruit, notably pineapple from the hops. This one drank smooth with just a hint of a dry finish. Tropical hops – and their balance within the grain bill – are the star here. I cannot believe how much is going on within this small ABV of a beer. Look for this on tap, as I do not believe this brewery is canning or bottling yet.
Clown Shoes Mango (5.5% ABV) This is the only fruited beer on the list. A kolsch is traditionally a light ale brewed within the Cologne region of Germany with a certain type of yeast, hops native to the area and certainly does not include fruit. This is an Americanized version that includes all-natural mango flavor. The smell of mango is there as you pour the beer, and there’s not much in the way of malt or hops. It is a hazy, golden yellow color with a brilliant white head. This is a well-balanced fruit beer. It is not overly sweet, not overly hopped, not overpowered with fruit. It’s a super drinkable beer that will bridge the gap between those that prefer beer and those that do not.
Jacks Abby Brewing House Lager (ABV 5.2%) I saved this beer for last because I can say so much about this one that I already have about the others, but yet it is different. This is the least hop-forward beer of the bunch. The malts take a front seat here, with familiar aromas, tastes of biscuits and bread and just a slight background of hops to balance out this beer. The head retention is quite low, but with how drinkable this beer is, it won’t be sticking around long enough to be admired anyway. It has a slightly sweet finish that most people seem to enjoy, with no lingering bitter finish.
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new around the woo:
Kummerspeck RACHEL SHUSTER Located at 118 Water St., Kummerspeck is a new comfort food eatery serving local food, including meats and produce, in Worcester’s Canal District.
The eatery, which is part sit-down restaurant, part butcher shop, is the dream that Matt Mahoney, former chef de cuisine at the Butcher Shop in Boston, and his wife Rachel Coit, former sous chef at Sportello in Boston, have brought to life. “Kummerspeck is a hybrid of restaurant and delicatessen. The name ‘Kummerspeck’ in German literally means ‘grief bacon,’ but culturally translates to ‘weight gained due to emotional eating whether happy or sad,” Coit said. “We are focused on that idea – showcasing good, local food that just makes you feel good.” Mahoney and Coit met at the New England Culinary
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Institute in Montpelier, Vt. “We graduated from there, moved and worked in Ashville, N.C., for a while, moved back to Massachusetts and worked in Boston, and now we’re back in the Worcester area,” Coit said. Being locals themselves – Coit from Harvard and Mahoney from Spencer – coming back to their roots and opening a local spot in Worcester feels good. “We really thought Worcester needed a place like this, and we are so excited to bring it to the people of this city. We just want to offer classic stuff that people want. Opening in Worcester really spoke to us,” Mahoney said. Being partly a butcher shop and deli, Kummerspeck offers meats like prime rib, sausage and various charcuterie items but also offers plenty of meats for those that are a bit more adventurous, including tongue, heart, stomach and kidneys. As for the sit-down dining options, Kummerspeck, which seats about 50 to 60 guests, offers traditional comfort food with a twist. Menu items include meat and potatoes, sweetbread, prime rib, beef Wellington, wiener schnitzel, shrimp and grits, and German favorite, kasespatzle, which is a form of mac and cheese. “Our menu is always fluid. There are certain things that are staples that you’ll always find, like the wiener
schnitzel and shrimp and grits, but many of the items evolve as the seasons evolve and what’s available. You’ll find classic French and Belgian cuisine on the menu all the way to Ramen nights,” Mahoney said. As the menu remains fluid, the same philosophy goes for the price points. “Our price points are very approachable, but you can also splurge if you want to. You can come and have something nice for dinner at $15-$16, or an entrée for $23-$24, or if you want to splurge, you can have rib eye that will be around $40. We are giving people options,” Mahoney said. Beyond great food, Kummerspeck also offers cooking classes for large or small parties that can be customized based on what food items are available, as well as butcher classes! “Everyone can grab a knife, and we can go through the process of butchering an entire pig together,” Mahoney added. Mahoney and Coit are also involved in exciting events showcasing their local cuisine and skills such as at Lettuce Be Local’s annual Local Farmer Dinner. You can also find brunch at Kummerspeck for special occasions like Father’s Day, and plans to have brunch every weekend are in the works for the future. You can also book the entire space for private events. For more info, visit Kummerspeck’s Facebook page.
hotandnow: What’s hot and what’s happening now in the restaurant scene Paul Giorgio
The Boulie pulpit. Worcester’s Boulevard Diner on Shrewsbury Street has
reopened its Grab N’ Go for the summer season. From 10 p.m.-3 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant will serve from its outdoor grill. Choices include Italian sausage, burgers, shish kebabs, pork spare ribs and fries.
Old Timer to star in movie. Clinton’s iconic restaurant The Old Timer, which recently closed, has a starring role in a new movie – Daddy’s Home 2. The movie stars Mel Gibson, Will Farrell, Mark Walberg and John Lithgow.
Sonoma moves to Beechwood.
One of the area’s premier dining destinations, Princeton’s Sonoma Restaurant, is closing up and moving to Worcester. Bill Brady, Sonoma’s owner/chef, recently announced that he will take over the space that currently houses Ceres Bistro at the Beechwwod Hotel in Worcester.
More than A-Mazing. The Davis Farmland and Mega Maze in Sterling is now offering barbecue. Leominster’s Josh Freda is the pit master at Davis and was recently trained in Kansas City. Now you can follow the smoke to Davis. 122 Pub. Our spies tell us that a new pub has opened in Grafton on Route 122. The 122 Pub has opened in the spot where Danielle’s was. Clearly not Usual. The Usual, which opened a short time ago on Worcester’s
Shrewsbury Street, will close and reopen with a new name and new owners. The restaurant ran into problems when it was revealed that the owner’s husband was indicted on drug and money laundering charges. The new owners will be Joe Herman and Deven Senior. Herman was the manager of Ursula’s, and Senior was the chef. It’s still unclear what will happen to Blackstone Tap, which is also owned by the same people.
Niche dining.
The Niche Hospitality Group has a number of special events in June, starting June 5 at Bocado with a Mencia Wine Dinner. The following week there will be a beer diner at The Fix. Then, the Flamenco Wine Dinner at Bocado on June 23 finishes the month. Call the restaurants for details and to purchase tickets.
Going strong at 83. Moynihan’s Pub on Worcester’s Main Street in Main
South was recently sold and is under new ownership. The 83-year-old bar and its building were sold to Ifendu Enterprises, which is registered to Terengo Argaw, of Cambridge, according to public records. The new owner will do some upgrades and continue to operate the business as Moynihan’s Pub.
She will wear the crown. Crown Bakery on Worcester’s Gold Star
Boulevard, the premier Swedish Bakery in the city, was sold recently. The 57-year-old bakery was founded by Ake Lundstrom and currently isowned by his son, Jon. Jon will retire in July and has sold the Worcester institution to Jen LaPointe, who has worked at the bakery for 17 years. LaPointe said she will update the decor and make the place more user-friendly. She is not changing the recipes.
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N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • E N T E R TA I N M E N T • N I G H T L I F E • S H O P P I N G • N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • s h o p p i n g
N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • E N T E R TA I N M E N T • N I G H T L I F E • S H O P P I N G • N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • E N T E R TA I N M E N T • N I G H T L I F E • S H O P P I N G
N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • E N T E R TA I N M E N T • N I G H T L I F E • S H O P P I N G • N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • s h o p p i n g
beauty+style
complete your
music festival checklist: if you’re taking advantage of the many summer music offerings in and around Central Massachusetts, you’re going to want to make sure you’re ready to go. Check out our list of essentials to make sure you have fun in the sun!
1. Bring a bag
experience when taking your shoes off after a long day on your feet, this
Searching for the perfect bag to keep your necessities with you and leave
that are “offensively comfortable.” ahhsoles.com.
Try Mobovida’s Bristol Belt Bags! They offer a portable battery bank; areas
4. Always look your best
your hands free for dancing, drinking and scarfing the festival grub?
for cards, cell phones and cash; a headphone cable slot; and cross-body functionality. mobovida.com.
2. Don’t forget to shower
Drench lips in a cocktail of hydrating moringa butter, avocado oil and lemon and pomegranate extracts for long-lasting creamy color with Pink Lady PureGloss Lip Gloss. Plus, it’s completely vegan-friendly! janeiredale.com.
weekend at a festival. That’s why you need Purequosa! Purequosa is a
FD&C dyes, the culprit of unnatural orange tones found in most self-
We all know a real shower can be hard to come by when spending the
shower replacement. Spray Purequosa, an organic cleansing spray, all over your body as you start or end your day – or anytime in-between. This hydrating formula is suitable for sensitive skin. purequosa.com.
3. Make sure you’re cool and comfortable
Tantasia Self Tanner & Bronzer does double duty without DHA or tanners. Instead, Tantasia uses caramel color, mica and iron oxides (clean earth minerals) for a natural, sun-kissed glow. janeiredale.com.
5. And don’t forget sunscreen Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream offers a lightweight formula
coupled with a diverse shade range that is inclusive of all skin tones. Shades
ball caps with Friday + Saturday! Support your local girl gang with a bold
(with a reduced level of titanium dioxide) to achieve the best possible color
Pack away those sweatshirts and get ready to break out the logo tees and
BB1-BB8 contain SPF 25 and deeper shades BB9-BB12 contain SPF 17
brand that promotes girl power and is constantly encouraging women to
payoff. janeiredale.com.
must-have hat. fridayandsaturday.com.
Powder-Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen is a nourishing, easy-to-use skin
Treat your feet with the soothing soles from AhhSoles after a long day
redness and provide light coverage (so you can skip foundation). Added
celebrate their victories. Perfect when you’re looking for a cute tee or a
of dancing in the dust. Uniquely named for that “Ahhh!” feeling you
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innovative brand designs an irresistible selection of wild foot bed textures
June 2017
protectant that contains titanium dioxide and natural clay to shield against bonus – it’s water resistant up to 40 minutes! janeiredale.com.
stealthestyle: Paper flowers JAMIE BURKE I have been planning my best friend’s baby shower for a couple months now. And, of course, Pinterest is my go-to, but it gives me both extreme joy and anxiety. I pin away for hours, fully knowing I will never make the recipe, get the $400 coat or paint my furniture bright pink. But occasionally you come across something that you genuinely think you can pull off without resorting to just going on Amazon and ordering. I found these beautiful giant flowers that you can use to decorate not just a party or shower but also walls or ceilings as home dÊcor. These do not take long at all! You need very little in the way of supplies and only about 10 to 20 minutes per flower, depending on size and style.
Supplies: Packaged paper (You can use white, colors, all-purpose or fancy cardstock; it depends on what you want for your budget!) Sharp scissors Paper plates Glue gun Spray paint
Steps: All the flowers I saw on Pinterest used expensive card stock. It is NOT necessary. Try this with white all-purpose paper first. Once you have completed your first flower, you can figure out your paper choice. I used a $5 package of 500 sheets of all-purpose paper. Once you have the paper ready, get out your scissors and take one piece of paper and cut a petal teardrop shape. Paper is usually 8 inches by 11 inches. Cut the teardrop shape, starting from the bottom of the 11-inch side. Cut all the way to the top in the petal shape desired. Once you have it cut, make sure you have the shape you want. Then, hold it over a stack of paper and cut-trace it. You need about nine large petals for the bottom layer and eight petals for the next layer. Now you will want to do some smaller and shorter petals. Use the same steps, just modify the size. Take your paper plate, and with it facing up, lay out overlapping petals in layers. Put the large petals first on the rim of plate. The next layer can be layered over that, but move the petals an inch into the middle. Then the smaller petals over those, moving another inch in until you fill them in right to the middle of the plate. It should look like one giant flat flower. Now work backwards and take the layers of petals off and keep them in stacks. Heat your glue gun and start gluing your large stack (first layer of petals) to the rim. Push down on each petal and move in a circle, overlapping one side. Then, move on to your second layer, and so on. Once all the petals are glued down, you want to work from the top and hold up a petal and glue it to the petal behind it. The petals should start to stand up as you go. Once you finished the top layer, move to the next layer. All your petals should stick up and resemble a flower by the end. For the middle of the flower, you can roll some small petals together or cut strips and glue them down. Once you have one flower done, try a different-shaped petal. You can roll the petal ends before gluing them if you want an open look. There is no right or wrong, just cut and layer the petals however you think they will look good. After I had all my flowers done, I took them outside and sprayed them with spray paint. Do a thin layer of paint and use different colors to blend and fill the middle. Once they are dry, you can poke holes in back to hang them or use double-sided tape to secure them.
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